Opitz G/BBB Syndrome

Opitz G/BBB Syndrome

Article
Diseases & Conditions
Congenital & Genetic Disorders
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHMay 09, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Hypertelorism-Hypospadius Syndrome
  • Telecanthus-Hypospadius Syndrome

What is Opitz G/BBB Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Opitz G/BBB Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects several different structures of the body, along the midline of the body. These abnormalities affect the face, larynx, trachea, and in many cases, the genital area
  • Two forms of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome are currently known. The X-linked form is caused by a mutation in the MID1 gene of the X chromosome. The autosomal dominant form of the disorder is caused by a deletion of 22q11.2 on chromosome 22

Who gets Opitz G/BBB Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • X-linked Opitz G/BBB Syndrome rare disorder that affects 1 in 50,000-100,000 individuals. It is most commonly found in males.
  • The incidence of autosomal dominant Opitz G/BBB Syndrome is largely unknown; though, it is estimated to be about 1 in 4,000 individuals
  • Both males and females are susceptible to inheriting this form of the disorder
  • No racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection is noted 

What are the Risk Factors for Opitz G/BBB Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome include:

  • Parents with the disorder
  • Parents, who are carriers of the disorder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome? (Etiology)

  • X-linked Opitz G/BBB Syndrome is caused by a mutation on the MID1 gene of the X chromosome. In males, when the mutation is inherited, they will have the disorder because they only have one copy of the x chromosome. In females, only those with two copies of the mutation will have the disorder.
    •  Normally, the MID1 gene provides coding for making the protein midin. This protein helps regulate the function of microtubules and aids in the breakdown of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) enzyme. When a mutation is present in this gene, PP2A accumulates in the cell, which negatively impacts the functioning of microtubule associated proteins.

Autosomal dominant Opitz G/BBB Syndrome is caused by the deletion of 22q11.2 on chromosome 22. If one mutated copy of the chromosome is inherited, an individual will get the disorder.

Little is known about this deletion and the genes that are associated with the loss of this segment of chromosome 22.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome?

Common signs and symptoms of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome include:

  • Cleft lip
  • Cleft palate
  • Hypertelorism (wide-spaced eyes)
  • Breathing problems
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Prominent forehead
  • Widow’s peak
  • Urogenital abnormalities 
  • Heart defects
  • Mild intellectual disabilities

How is Opitz G/BBB Syndrome Diagnosed?

  • To diagnose Opitz G/BBB Syndrome, medical professionals will look for common signs and symptoms of the disorder after conducting a through physical examination and complete medical history
  • To confirm the diagnosis, genetic testing may be conducted

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome?

  • Due to the abnormalities that can develop along the midline of the body, deformities are likely to occur. These can cause secondary complications, including:
    • Difficulties breathing
    • Speech problems

How is Opitz G/BBB Syndrome Treated?

  • To treat Opitz G/BBB Syndrome, surgery is usually done. Surgery can be used to fix malformations that result from the disorder.
  • Speech therapy is recommended as most individuals with the disorder have a cleft lip or cleft palate.
  • Individuals with intellectual disabilities or lowered mental capacity, usually receive neuropsychological and educational support.

How can Opitz G/BBB Syndrome be Prevented?

  • Opitz G/BBB Syndrome is a genetically inherited disorder. Currently, there is no way to prevent this disorder
  • If you are at risk of passing it on, genetic counseling before getting pregnant is important in order to fully understand your options.

What is the Prognosis of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis for individuals with Opitz G/BBB Syndrome greatly varies depending on the severity of their symptoms
  • With proper treatment of symptoms, most individuals are able to lead normal lives with few problems.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Opitz G/BBB Syndrome:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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